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Library giving trees help needy families

At a time when most people are making wish lists, others are helping turn those wishes into reality. The Mesa County Libraries are helping local underprivileged families this holiday season with Giving Trees. The Christmas trees, decorated with gift requests from needy Mesa Country residents. Photo Special to the Sentinel.

At a time when most people are making wish lists, others are helping turn those wishes into reality.

The Mesa County Libraries are helping local underprivileged families this holiday season with Giving Trees. The Christmas trees, decorated with gift requests from needy Mesa Country residents, are located at the central branch, 655 N. First St., as well as branches in Clifton, Palisade, Fruita and De Beque.

“This is a way to give our patrons, staff and people in the community the ability to help the less fortunate in our area,” said Bob Kretschman, public information manager for Mesa County Libraries.

The Giving Tree process is easy for those wanting to participate. Choose a tag from the tree that represents a gift wish. Give library staff your contact information and return the gift by Dec. 13. The gift should be unwrapped with the wish tag attached.

“After the gift is returned to the library, we wrap the gifts before they are given out. We are having a wrapping party at the Catholic Outreach center to prepare the gifts,” said Kretschman.

Some wishes include Lego sets, Nintendo games, children’s dolls and warm clothing. The wishes are made by residents of Mesa County, including clients of the Grand Valley Catholic Outreach program.

“The gifts should be about $25 or less, but that depends on the gift item and what the provider is willing to spend,” said Kretschman, “The willingness to participate in the Giving Tree effort can really help make a family’s holiday special this year.”

Caleb Ealey, a student at Colorado Mesa University, donated a small doll set.

“I think it’s a great way to get involved and help out. This sort of thing just makes me feel great because something as simple as a doll set can impact someone’s life in a good way,” said Ealey, “It’s important sometimes to sacrifice even a little bit to help others.”

Donating through the Giving Tree this year can do more than help a needy family. The feeling of giving can be a rewarding personal experience as Ealey explained, knowing that someone is now better off. It is, after all, the season of giving.